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Two New Chiefs Receivers Show Practice With QB is "Overrated"

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Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Star

The two newest members of the Kansas City Chiefs receiver corps, Chris Chambers and Lance Long, didn't take long to warm to their new quarterback.  Chambers caught two touchdown passes while Long led the team with eight receptions.

Neither player has been with the team for more than two games so the practice time with Matt Cassel hasn't been there.  That doesn't necessarily matter to head coach Todd Haley, who called receiver and quarterback practice time as "overrated."

Star-divide

Chambers, who was signed off waivers last week, noted his experience with "11 or 12 quarterbacks" in his career as a reason for his quick success.

"I have a lot of experience — and definitely a lot of experience with new quarterbacks. Matt has a ton of talent. You can see him maturing and growing. It will take awhile before he hits his peak. We didn’t get a lot of reps together but we were able to make plays when we did. We ran that play we scored (the first) touchdown on and it came open the exact same way."

He also remarked, "Everybody runs the same stuff," referring to the offense.

QB Matt Cassel seemed pleased with Chambers' effort on a few plays.

“Anytime a guy comes in, has to learn a new offense, you ask him to do a lot and he performs like that … you have to take your hat off to him,” said Cassel. “It goes to what kind of professional he is. We’re lucky to have him.”

Chambers' second touchdown reception in the corner of the end zone was almost a Montana-to-Davis-esque.

“That was just feel and experience,” Chambers said. “Matt was rolling out and all I had to do was catch the ball and make sure I stayed inbounds. I saw him run that play with [Moss] a couple of times. He put it right on the money.”

Long, who was promoted from the practice squad two weeks ago, said he began to feel more comfortable and "really started to relax" with his new quarterback.

"There hasn’t been a lot of work with Matt, but it’s not really hard. As long as you’re coached to do the right thing, if you do what you’re supposed to do, the chemistry doesn’t really need to be there. If I’m supposed to be in a certain spot and Matt is expecting me to be in a certain spot, then the chemistry is there."

As I've mentioned before, receivers in their first game with the Chiefs tend to do well.  In Bobby Wade's first game, he led the team with six receptions for 72 yards.  Long was targeted as often as Dwayne Bowe in his first game.  And now, Chambers, who caught two touchdown passes in his first game.

With that "L" on the board at the end of the game, Haley had plenty of problems to point to, including the play of the receivers.

"I didn’t see what we needed to see," Haley said. "We can’t take sacks. We can’t give up sacks at the beginning of the second half. We can’t give up sacks. We have to do a better job of protection. We have to do a better job of getting rid of the football. We have to better catching the football. I think we’re number one in dropping the football. We can’t overcome negative plays. We just can’t."

Yeah, there were problems, but these two additions to the receiver corps are, overall, a positive.

I'm still in the "prove it" mode with Chambers since he's 31 years old and has to bring plenty of positivity to the offense to convince me he's more valuable than a younger player with more upside.  But Long is definitely in the Wes Welker mode and obviously has a nice rapport with Cassel.

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Seems like the less Cassel knows a wr he hooks up with him better. Then as the weeks go on that production goes away. Bobby wade looked great at first and now he is a nonfactor.

by kc2win on Nov 9, 2009 8:16 AM CST via mobile reply actions   0 recs

Seems like the less Cassel knows a wr he hooks up with him better. Then as the weeks go on that production goes away. Bobby wade looked great at first and now he is a nonfactor.

Someone said something simular yesterday in regards to the line play and said when they block for him, he does nothing when he has no time he does it all…Not a good sign

Predictions for 2009:

LJ breaks Chiefs all time rushing record at home

Bowe's numbers regress due to lack of decent QB play.

The D gets better in the second half but still is plagued by big plays

Cassel looks more like the guy Pioli almost cut in the '08 preseason instead of the franchise QB he hoped he would be when he traded him for

Chiefs 6-10

by bonesjackson on Nov 9, 2009 8:19 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

He has his ups and downs that is for sure

but when he has time it usually indicates that the defense isn’t rushing very many men, not that our line suddenly playing better. That means the defense has more men in coverage and since we don’t have a lot of great receivers, they aren’t getting open.

That is why I think Long is getting so many looks. He is fast and is getting open. Hell of an up grade over Engram who couldn’t beat a LB anymore.

Long isn’t perfect but his production yesterday is a pretty good sign as far as our receivers go. Let’s hope he keeps it up.

Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/

by Patrick Allen on Nov 9, 2009 8:33 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Morning PA..

Yah I really believe that after watching Cassel thus far. He really does have both …downs as well as some pretty good upsides too.

He had 3 int’s in one game, which is very uncharacteristic of him. Every QB has those days though. Brees threw 5 in one game this year already I believe so there you go. However, with Cassel, I really am starting to get the sense that if he has a very good offensive line to shield him, he likes the big play. He wants that extra 1.5 seconds to unload deep.

He has potential. He is still very young in QB terms because of his background, but he’s slowly, very slowly starting to win me over a tad bit here and there. His biggest weakness, he’s inconsistent. Sometimes he gets the ball out quick and others, well, even WITH time, he still gets jittery and freaks out which is not so good.

I can’t tell if it’s Haley or the line or just simply a young slightly scared QB. Hard to say. I’m excited already to see what the next couple of seasons brings us. GO CHIEFS!!

by krayfish on Nov 9, 2009 8:53 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

He is still very young

his mistakes are much more glaring because of the terrible line and generally poor receivers. It is hard for a young QB to develop on a bad team like this which is why Pioli majorly screwed up by not taking care of the line.

I am hoping that Cassel keeps his cool and stays alive this season. I also hope he learns to get rid of the ball quicker but I like that he isn’t turning over the ball a lot which, young QB’s on bad teams tend to do a lot.

Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/

by Patrick Allen on Nov 9, 2009 9:08 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Matt is the Man

I think we got our qb for years to come personally. Thats quite a hurdle.

by Arrowhead Addict Randy5k on Nov 9, 2009 8:22 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

play before the TD

Cassell expected Chambers to continue the pattern, threw it staight to a Jag only to have a different Jag knock it out of his team-mate’s hands. Practice matters.

by Kane on Nov 9, 2009 8:22 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

I can't recall that I've ever heard

any football coach, player or pundit consider practice time with QBs and WRs “overrated.” Anybody else ever heard this?

John

"Gentlemen! You can't fight in here. This is the War Room!"

by RDOGuy on Nov 9, 2009 8:30 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Obviously he's got a point

Wade, Long and Chambers have stepped in and quickly made a difference in their first game.

by Joel Thorman on Nov 9, 2009 8:36 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

There is also a difference

between saying something is overrated and not important. Practice is important for all positions. He was just saying he thought QB-WR chemistry was overrated.

If the guy runs the route he was supposed to run and gets open and the QB throws the ball to him they should be fine most of the time.

Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/

by Patrick Allen on Nov 9, 2009 8:39 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

That’s what Long said as well regarding chemistry…he said as long as I run my route, and Matt passes him the ball, that’s all the chemistry they need.

by Joel Thorman on Nov 9, 2009 8:41 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Granted, Joel

But again… have you ever heard this before?

John

"Gentlemen! You can't fight in here. This is the War Room!"

by RDOGuy on Nov 9, 2009 8:40 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Being overrated is not unimportant

I think Haley was emphasizing what Long said…as long as each player does what they’re supposed to do (run the right route, throw the ball where it’s supposed to do) then you’ve got it down.

My two cents.

by Joel Thorman on Nov 9, 2009 8:41 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

EXACTLY...

that’s what I think he was saying…plus we’re 1-6 at that point. I think in light of the big picture he’s more than correct.

Obviously he knows practice is important, but he’s saying that given the state of our team, it’s probably over rated, given that our receivers who have had plenty of “practice time” lead the league in dropped passes.

I actually think he may be getting the point that the whole bs line about “the right 53” boils down to having some serious talent to compliment the other less talented players.

by krayfish on Nov 9, 2009 8:59 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Though, I will say

That I’m taking the “overrated” quote from the Star and the Times-Union in Jacksonville…I’ve yet to see a transcript to understand the complete context (though both papers used it in the context that I did).

The Arrowhead Pride budget couldn’t said me to Florida, unfortunately.

by Joel Thorman on Nov 9, 2009 8:48 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

watch the video on the mothership

I think the question was about QB/WR playing together for YEARS and knowing eachother very well… Haley said that was overrated… but I dont’ think he was saying that they dont’ have to practice together, just that it doesn’t take years to get on the same page

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Nov 9, 2009 9:06 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Q: I guess Matt and Chambers didn’t have to play together through the years to come up with those two plays.

HALEY: "It’s overrated. Overrated, as a receivers coach I know.

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Nov 9, 2009 12:39 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2009/11/09/todd_haley_postgame_comments_jags/

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Nov 9, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

well we're just gonna have to "pass the hat"

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!

by upamtn on Nov 9, 2009 11:08 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

nope lol RDO ...I haven't either.

Honestly, I’m not trying to open a can of worms here, but I’m still not convinced that Haley is our long term solution. Especially since there are 5 high profile coaches available next year that have Superbowl rings already, so they know what it takes and how to do it.

It’s a shame Haley couldn’t have had a full year of being a “true” assistant head coach so he could have gained a different perspective on HC’ing. I’m afraid if he fails here, he’ll just go on to be the NEXT in a long order of x chiefs that help other teams win.

by krayfish on Nov 9, 2009 8:56 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Surprise?

Is it really a surprise when a new receive does well in their first game? It’s a new weapon that our opponent hasn’t been able to game plan for. For me the positive is we have seen this capability with four receivers now. Opposing defenses can’t plan to blanket them all. Someone will have to be open.

by mls21 on Nov 9, 2009 8:31 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Mike Brown has been awful.

Pollard had two interception yesterday and the Texans went from worst rushing defense in the league to having one of the best, since the addition of Pollard. Chiefs management made a huge mistake letting him go.

You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.

by CFHTim on Nov 9, 2009 8:57 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

OMG CFH...no shit

another Chief that goes on to do great things elsewhere. I don’t get it. Ever since Neil Smith helped Denver win a superbowl duo, we’ve been famous for giving away high talent and sucking for it.

I mean thank God we gave up Jared Allen cuz he drank a little too much. Hell he’s a redneck white boy and was probably raised on beer. Good thing we don’t have him here sacking QB’s like crazy while TG scored us a slew of offensive TD’s or anything…

by krayfish on Nov 9, 2009 9:02 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think drinking ever made me better at anything......

Talented guy that Jared Allen. You need guys like that on a football team. Couple of mean SOBs that don’t keep it PC all the time. I’m not opposed to us having just one extremely talented loose cannon around.

by Hail2DaChiefs on Nov 9, 2009 9:22 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

It's all about the wheels

This team has been starving for a WR that can get a little separation and Long and Chambers both seem to have enough to give Cassel at least a little window to put the ball in. Bradley has been in the doghouse and Wade and Engram are slow as dirt. That’s why Chambers and Long are playing with limited practice, IMO.

Feeling "The Love" and "Drinking the Kool AId"

by KCporkchop on Nov 9, 2009 9:09 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Soooo true!!

I didn’t know Chambers was a burner like that…he gives us a different dimension to be sure. He’s fast allright. Now if he keeps his hands working like the old days…mmmmm well we may have found something.

by krayfish on Nov 9, 2009 9:16 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

4.31 at the combine

even if he’s lost a step, he’s still fast

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Nov 9, 2009 9:17 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

"even if he's lost a step"?

He’s 31…I guarantee you he’s lost a step =)

I am glad he’s here, though.

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Nov 9, 2009 10:41 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I guess I meant "even THOUGH he lost a step"

I’m 31, and I sometimes feel like I got hit by a train the day after I play basketball or football…

I’m sure he’s lost a step

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Nov 9, 2009 11:40 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I said i would wait and see how it turned out to get chambers

AND MAN O MAN
IF he can do that for us every week This will probably be one of our best pick ups this year for sure
AND why cant them chiefs play like that all game 15 points in the 4th gotta get it going earlier in the game

Check out the gun show over here FIYA POWA

by redmedicone on Nov 9, 2009 11:47 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

here's a thought:
“I didn’t see what we needed to see,” Haley said. “We can’t take sacks. We can’t give up sacks at the beginning of the second half. We can’t give up sacks. We have to do a better job of protection. We have to do a better job of getting rid of the football. We have to better catching the football. I think we’re number one in dropping the football. We can’t overcome negative plays. We just can’t.”

I’m glad Haley sees this now. Maybe this can be corrected on the offseason.

by TDubb on Nov 9, 2009 1:02 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

maybe they can correct some of it BEFORE the season is over?

keep Goff on the sidelines, get better TE/RB help, get Cassel releasing the ball quicker on slants and WR screens

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Nov 9, 2009 2:49 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs


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